http://read.ly/Gen43.23.NKJV
Joseph has found that his faithfulness has produced extreme favor with God and man (Luke 2:52). Now his family has not been so fortunate. They are stuck in famine, but it is not because of their unfaithfulness. We will now see how God has set them up to see his hand of provision when they thought all was lost.
Gen.43:1,2 We usually turn to the last place that we got help. Good or bad. JACOB = DAD = CEO = LEADER = PASTOR said "Go back and buy us a little more food."
Jacob complained - so do we.
Jacob planned a bribe - so do we.
Finally v.14 Jacob decides to trust in God for himself, his boys (Simeon & Benjamin), and his whole starving family.
WHEN THINGS GO WRONG LOOK TO THE SOURCE NOT ANOTHER RESOURCE.
We start thinking the worst when we can be sure God has our best interests at heart and He is planning all along to reveal them to us. (see vs. 15-23)
NOTICE HOW THAT EVEN JOSEPH HAD TO EAT ALONE BECAUSE HE DID NOT FIT IN. THERE ARE TIMES THAT WE JUST HAVE TO KNOW THAT GOD IS ON OUR SIDE A GO FOR IT.
Joseph as an instrument in the hands of God is setting his family up for the big REVEAL.
Our heavenly Father is doing the same for us!! We just get anxious WHEN THINGS DO NOT GO AS PLANNED.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Thoughts from a VACATION well spent.
Grand Case Beach Club on the French side of St. Marteen in the Caribbean is so peaceful and restful.
Some observations:
1. DOING NOTHING IS OK SOMETIMES.
2. VACATION WITH YOUR SPOUSE IS AN INVESTMENT NO MATTER HOW MUCH IT COSTS.
3. SOLITUDE IS GOOD FOR THE SPIRIT AND THE SOUL.
4. TOO MANY VOICES EQUALS TOO MANY CHOICES.
Psalms 46:10
10 “Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world.”
5. I AM TOTALLY SERIOUS . . . I SHOULD DO THIS TWICE A YEAR RATHER THAN EVERY OTHER YEAR. I WOULD BE HEALTHIER BOTH SPIRITUALLY AND PHYSICALLY.
If you want to see all the pictures we took then go to my Facebook and they will be posted there.
Ed
Some observations:
1. DOING NOTHING IS OK SOMETIMES.
2. VACATION WITH YOUR SPOUSE IS AN INVESTMENT NO MATTER HOW MUCH IT COSTS.3. SOLITUDE IS GOOD FOR THE SPIRIT AND THE SOUL.
4. TOO MANY VOICES EQUALS TOO MANY CHOICES.
Psalms 46:10
10 “Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world.”
If you want to see all the pictures we took then go to my Facebook and they will be posted there.
Ed
When Things Do Not Go As Planned pt 6
I am so sorry that there has been a delay in the continuation of these thoughts. Here are my excuses: 1) A big event that I had to participate in that lasted ten days. 2) A vacation that lasted 11 days including the travel days. I know those are not good enough - like you have been waiting with baited breath HA HA!! Oh well, we continue on . . .
Genesis 41:1-5 Jacob sends his sons to Egypt to get grain so that they will not starve. EVEN WHEN BAD THINGS ARE HAPPENING ALL AROUND God can turn them around for your good. I can promise you that God is at work in your situation and you do not even see it and many times He has been at work for many years preparing you for such a time as this.
Joseph could only hold on to the dream which was taking years to come to pass.
Jacob, his dad was just dealing with a broken heart and he could not really see God at work in this crisis.
The brothers were just existing and they really could not see God at work in this crisis.
GOD IS AT WORK BEHIND THE SCENES IN YOUR LIFE. YOU CAN COUNT ON IT.
Genesis 41:6-9 Dreams really do come true and Joseph found that out. (Genesis 37)
To me the great thing about this chapter is how Joseph handled himself in front of his brothers. NOTE: When your dreams come true be classy and not arrogant so God can continue to use you. He could have really let the hammer down in revenge and hurt them for hurting him. Instead he had a plan to redeem his entire family plus he blessed his brothers. Check out Genesis 41:35.
Harboring bitterness and unforgiveness is like taking poison and expecting it to kill the other guy who hurt you.
Let's all commit to taking the high road like Joseph and God can trust us to make a difference and save many form destruction.
Genesis 41:1-5 Jacob sends his sons to Egypt to get grain so that they will not starve. EVEN WHEN BAD THINGS ARE HAPPENING ALL AROUND God can turn them around for your good. I can promise you that God is at work in your situation and you do not even see it and many times He has been at work for many years preparing you for such a time as this.
Joseph could only hold on to the dream which was taking years to come to pass.
Jacob, his dad was just dealing with a broken heart and he could not really see God at work in this crisis.
The brothers were just existing and they really could not see God at work in this crisis.
GOD IS AT WORK BEHIND THE SCENES IN YOUR LIFE. YOU CAN COUNT ON IT.
Genesis 41:6-9 Dreams really do come true and Joseph found that out. (Genesis 37)
To me the great thing about this chapter is how Joseph handled himself in front of his brothers. NOTE: When your dreams come true be classy and not arrogant so God can continue to use you. He could have really let the hammer down in revenge and hurt them for hurting him. Instead he had a plan to redeem his entire family plus he blessed his brothers. Check out Genesis 41:35.
Harboring bitterness and unforgiveness is like taking poison and expecting it to kill the other guy who hurt you.
Let's all commit to taking the high road like Joseph and God can trust us to make a difference and save many form destruction.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
When Things Do Not Go As Planned Pt 5 THE PROCESS
Genesis 41:1 NLT - YouVersion.com: "Two full years later, Pharaoh dreamed that he was standing on the bank of the Nile River"
The cup-bearer's dream was fulfilled as Joseph spoke it. In his restored position in Pharoah's court he forgot about Joseph. Two full years had passed and Joseph was stuck and forgotten . . . are you sure?
HAVE YOU EVER FELT STUCK AND FORGOTTEN?
Here we are back at this same principle: FAITHFULNESS PRODUCES FAVOR.
Joseph for those two years was stuck in prison wondering if he would ever be remembered. What if he decided to blow it? quit, fight, stumble, steal, and some how was caught and the warden demoted or even worse had him killed. HE STAYED FAITHFUL so that when the call came from Pharaoh he was ready.
The cup-bearer gave testimony of how God was with Joseph in the interpreting of dreams (Gen. 41:1-13).
v.14 Pharaoh sent for Joseph at once . . . When we stay faithful to God's revealed plans for us PROMOTION CAN COME IN AN INSTANT.
Here is a new thought for us all to remember, "IF WE ABORT THE PROCESS WE ABORT THE MISSION." At so many points across this journey Joseph could have aborted the PROCESS of who he was becoming and he would have aborted the MISSION. God's plans and purposes are so much bigger than ours! We see in tunnel vision. His vision is panoramic.
Some thoughts on when we finally get there:
1. v.15 Pharaoh had exhausted the worlds methods and they had failed (this will always happen). For some reason God is last on the list for a lot of people, so be ready with your answer when called on and wait till God's time.
2. v.16 Stay DEPENDENT. . . . Joseph knew his limits and confessed them.
3. vs. 33-37 Once He speaks declare it with confidence and boldness.
4. vs. 39-45 "so Joseph took charge of the entire land of Egypt." Staying faithful produced the FAVOR OF GOD.
Pharaoh may have thought that he put Joseph in this position of power and authority or you may have thought your money, education, or skill has placed you where you are. COME ON NOW . . . IT WAS ALL PART OF THE PROCESS BUT IT IS GOD WHO PLACES US WHERE WE ARE.
Psalms 75:6,7
For exaltation comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the Judge: He puts down one, and exalts another.
IF WE ABORT THE PROCESS WE ABORT THE MISSION.
Ed
The cup-bearer's dream was fulfilled as Joseph spoke it. In his restored position in Pharoah's court he forgot about Joseph. Two full years had passed and Joseph was stuck and forgotten . . . are you sure?
HAVE YOU EVER FELT STUCK AND FORGOTTEN?
Here we are back at this same principle: FAITHFULNESS PRODUCES FAVOR.
Joseph for those two years was stuck in prison wondering if he would ever be remembered. What if he decided to blow it? quit, fight, stumble, steal, and some how was caught and the warden demoted or even worse had him killed. HE STAYED FAITHFUL so that when the call came from Pharaoh he was ready.
The cup-bearer gave testimony of how God was with Joseph in the interpreting of dreams (Gen. 41:1-13).
v.14 Pharaoh sent for Joseph at once . . . When we stay faithful to God's revealed plans for us PROMOTION CAN COME IN AN INSTANT.
Here is a new thought for us all to remember, "IF WE ABORT THE PROCESS WE ABORT THE MISSION." At so many points across this journey Joseph could have aborted the PROCESS of who he was becoming and he would have aborted the MISSION. God's plans and purposes are so much bigger than ours! We see in tunnel vision. His vision is panoramic.
Some thoughts on when we finally get there:
1. v.15 Pharaoh had exhausted the worlds methods and they had failed (this will always happen). For some reason God is last on the list for a lot of people, so be ready with your answer when called on and wait till God's time.
2. v.16 Stay DEPENDENT. . . . Joseph knew his limits and confessed them.
3. vs. 33-37 Once He speaks declare it with confidence and boldness.
4. vs. 39-45 "so Joseph took charge of the entire land of Egypt." Staying faithful produced the FAVOR OF GOD.
Pharaoh may have thought that he put Joseph in this position of power and authority or you may have thought your money, education, or skill has placed you where you are. COME ON NOW . . . IT WAS ALL PART OF THE PROCESS BUT IT IS GOD WHO PLACES US WHERE WE ARE.
Psalms 75:6,7
For exaltation comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the Judge: He puts down one, and exalts another.
IF WE ABORT THE PROCESS WE ABORT THE MISSION.
Ed
Thursday, September 23, 2010
WHEN THINGS DO NOT GO AS PLANNED Pt 4 - Keep Dreaming
Genesis 40 is the chapter in Joseph's story where he interprets the cup-bearer's dream and the baker's dream. The cup-bearer's dream has a happy ending and the baker's dream ends in his death. Joseph's interpretation of these dreams comes true just like he said because God is with him (see previous blog presence vs. power).
NOTE: GOD'S PURPOSES INCLUDE POSITIONING THE RIGHT PEOPLE AROUND US.
Take special note of Joseph's confidence in the following verses. Note his powerful confidence in his statement to the cup-bearer. In my estimation this confidence must come from the fact that his dreams and visions are still alive in him despite what the circumstances are that surround him.
Genesis 40
14 And please remember me and do me a favor when things go well for you. Mention me to Pharaoh, so he might let me out of this place.15 For I was kidnapped from my homeland, the land of the Hebrews, and now I'm here in prison, but I did nothing to deserve it."
Why was Joseph not bitter or angry? He had every human right to have this reaction because he was thrown away by his brothers and falsely accused by Potiphar's wife. Basically he was in prison on false charges.
This is where his boldness came from to ask the cup-bearer to remember him when he was restored. Remember nothing had happened yet. I would imagine that the cup-bearer looked at Joseph like, "DUDE WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN SMOKING?" Without a doubt Joseph was full of faith and confidence in the God of the dream and not just his dream. There is a difference!!
The cup-bearer gets restored but forgets Joseph. How many times do we feel lost and forgotten?
Genesis 40
23 Pharaoh's chief cup-bearer, however, forgot all about Joseph, never giving him another thought.
Man may not remember but God never forgets!!!
Keep looking up for your answers. Man does not have them but He does.
I hope that these posts are blessing you. Let me know if they are. Part 5 (again faithfulness produces the favor of God) coming soon . . .
Ed
NOTE: GOD'S PURPOSES INCLUDE POSITIONING THE RIGHT PEOPLE AROUND US.
Take special note of Joseph's confidence in the following verses. Note his powerful confidence in his statement to the cup-bearer. In my estimation this confidence must come from the fact that his dreams and visions are still alive in him despite what the circumstances are that surround him.
Genesis 40
14 And please remember me and do me a favor when things go well for you. Mention me to Pharaoh, so he might let me out of this place.15 For I was kidnapped from my homeland, the land of the Hebrews, and now I'm here in prison, but I did nothing to deserve it."
Why was Joseph not bitter or angry? He had every human right to have this reaction because he was thrown away by his brothers and falsely accused by Potiphar's wife. Basically he was in prison on false charges.
He expected God's purposes and promises to prevail.
This is where his boldness came from to ask the cup-bearer to remember him when he was restored. Remember nothing had happened yet. I would imagine that the cup-bearer looked at Joseph like, "DUDE WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN SMOKING?" Without a doubt Joseph was full of faith and confidence in the God of the dream and not just his dream. There is a difference!!
The cup-bearer gets restored but forgets Joseph. How many times do we feel lost and forgotten?
Genesis 40
23 Pharaoh's chief cup-bearer, however, forgot all about Joseph, never giving him another thought.
Man may not remember but God never forgets!!!
Keep looking up for your answers. Man does not have them but He does.
I hope that these posts are blessing you. Let me know if they are. Part 5 (again faithfulness produces the favor of God) coming soon . . .
Ed
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
When Things Do Not Go As Planned Pt. 3 Prescence vs. Power
Genesis 39
3 Potiphar noticed this and realized that the Lord was with Joseph, giving him success in everything he did.
23 The warden had no more worries, because Joseph took care of everything. The Lord was with him and caused everything he did to succeed.
Faithfulness most certainly produces the favor of God as I stated in my previous post. Take a look with me at what got Joseph noticed.
3 Potiphar noticed this and realized that the Lord was with Joseph, giving him success in everything he did.
23 The warden had no more worries, because Joseph took care of everything. The Lord was with him and caused everything he did to succeed.
Faithfulness most certainly produces the favor of God as I stated in my previous post. Take a look with me at what got Joseph noticed.
PRESENCE VS POWER
As we attempt to make a difference in the world around us we must determine our best tact. I personally am convinced that it will not happen through power in the natural but through spiritual power (force). Let me explain.
POWER IS RESENTED
PRESENCE IS NOTICED
POWER REPELS
PRESENCE ATTRACTS
POWER CREATES COMPETITION
PRESENCE CREATES FAVOR
I know that these are generalizations but you get the point.
Joseph was noticed because of presence.
Joseph attracted people to him because of presence.
Joseph received favor because of presence.
Presence of what? An excellent spirit, the Holy Spirit, wisdom, loyalty, integrity, convictions, work ethic, etc. You know I could go on and on.
In Him we live move and have our being.
Christ in us the hope of glory.
It is not I that live but Christ lives in me.
We can and should carry a presence with us that when we walk in the room people notice. When we speak people notice.
One conversation, one phone call, one relationship could make a major difference in the next season of our lives. It might even propel us into that next season.
Do you have the presence to pull it off. Joseph kept His eye on the prize and kept his heart right even though things were not going well.
The power of HIS PRESENCE is probably proportionate to the degree we keep our hearts true when things are not going that well.
Jesus told us power was not the way up. Matt 20:20-28 As a matter of a fact Jesus taught us that the way up is down. It is interesting to me the presence we create around ourselves when we serve. PEOPLE NOTICE A SERVANTS HEART TODAY BECAUSE IT IS SO RARE IN THIS ME FIRST CULTURE.
When we get noticed we get promoted or we get the chance to influence lives and circumstances for the glory of God.
Which is exactly what happened in Joseph's life.
Jesus told us power was not the way up. Matt 20:20-28 As a matter of a fact Jesus taught us that the way up is down. It is interesting to me the presence we create around ourselves when we serve. PEOPLE NOTICE A SERVANTS HEART TODAY BECAUSE IT IS SO RARE IN THIS ME FIRST CULTURE.
When we get noticed we get promoted or we get the chance to influence lives and circumstances for the glory of God.
Which is exactly what happened in Joseph's life.
Meditating on this!
Ed
Thursday, September 16, 2010
When Life Does Not Go As Planned . . . Pt 2
Genesis 39 . . . Teaches that when life gives you lemons - make lemon juice. I am sorry! Over used and out dated but it fits here.
When life throw us a bunch of curve balls we must learn to STAY FAITHFUL TO WHAT WE KNOW IS RIGHT. We know the story of Joseph being falsely accused and subsequently thrown in prison. BEFORE that he had found great FAVOR in Potiphar's house. AFTER that he found great FAVOR with the warden of the prison. Both men in positions of power and influence gave Joseph complete control over their affairs. WHY?
FAITHFULNESS WILL PRODUCE THE FAVOR OF GOD IN OUR LIVES!! Check out the words of Jesus in Luke 16:10-12.
Genesis 39:3,4 NLT - YouVersion.com: "Potiphar noticed this and realized that the Lord was with Joseph, giving him success in everything he did. 4 This pleased Potiphar, so he soon made Joseph his personal attendant. He put him in charge of his entire household and everything he owned"
Also read Genesis 39:21-23.
May His Favor be upon you.
Ed
When life throw us a bunch of curve balls we must learn to STAY FAITHFUL TO WHAT WE KNOW IS RIGHT. We know the story of Joseph being falsely accused and subsequently thrown in prison. BEFORE that he had found great FAVOR in Potiphar's house. AFTER that he found great FAVOR with the warden of the prison. Both men in positions of power and influence gave Joseph complete control over their affairs. WHY?
FAITHFULNESS WILL PRODUCE THE FAVOR OF GOD IN OUR LIVES!! Check out the words of Jesus in Luke 16:10-12.
Genesis 39:3,4 NLT - YouVersion.com: "Potiphar noticed this and realized that the Lord was with Joseph, giving him success in everything he did. 4 This pleased Potiphar, so he soon made Joseph his personal attendant. He put him in charge of his entire household and everything he owned"
Also read Genesis 39:21-23.
May His Favor be upon you.
Ed
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